Google’s next-generation affordable Pixel smartphone may already be in development. A new report claims that the alleged Google Pixel 11a codename has surfaced in the beta version of the Phone by Google app, offering an early glimpse into the company’s upcoming A-series handset.
The discovery comes just weeks before Google’s Made by Google event, where the company is expected to unveil the Pixel 11 smartphone lineup along with new wearables and audio products.
Pixel 11a Codename Appears in Phone by Google App
According to a report by Android Authority, the Phone by Google app version 230.0.946661649-publicbeta-pixel contains internal codenames for the upcoming Pixel 11 family.
The reported codenames include:
- Cubs
- Grizzly
- Kodiak
- Yogi
- Formosan
Previous leaks have already linked Cubs, Grizzly, Kodiak, and Yogi to the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, respectively.
The report claims that “Formosan” is the codename assigned to the Google Pixel 11a, indicating that development of the next A-series smartphone is already underway.
Google Continues Bear-Themed Codenames
The reported codename also suggests Google is continuing its bear-inspired naming convention for the Pixel 11 lineup.
While the appearance of “Formosan” in the Phone app points to active development, Google has not officially confirmed the existence of the Pixel 11a. As with previous leaks, internal codenames may change before the device reaches the market.
Pixel 11 Series Launch Expected on August 12
Google is set to host its Made by Google event on August 12, where it is widely expected to introduce its next flagship smartphones.
The expected announcements include:
- Google Pixel 11
- Google Pixel 11 Pro
- Google Pixel 11 Pro XL
- Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold
- Pixel Watch 5
- Next-generation Pixel Buds
However, the Pixel 11a is not expected to launch alongside the flagship models and will likely arrive sometime next year.
Pixel 11a Expected to Build on Pixel 10a
The Pixel 11a is expected to succeed the Google Pixel 10a, which launched in India earlier this year at Rs 49,999.
The Pixel 10a features:
- 6.3-inch display with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection
- Google Tensor G4 chipset
- Titan M2 security coprocessor
- Dual rear cameras with a 48MP primary sensor
- 13MP front-facing camera
- 5,100mAh battery
- 30W wired charging
- 10W wireless charging
Although specifications for the Pixel 11a remain unknown, the upcoming model is expected to offer hardware and AI-powered software improvements over its predecessor.
What the Leak Suggests
The appearance of the alleged Pixel 11a codename in Google’s Phone app indicates that the company may already be testing software compatibility for the upcoming device.
While the leak does not reveal any specifications or launch timeline, it suggests that Google’s next affordable Pixel smartphone has entered the early stages of development ahead of its expected debut in 2027.
